ST:TTV311 | "T'Was the Night"
Updated: Mar 18
Stardate 94983
T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the (Valley Forge's) halls,
Not a creature was stirring, neither big or small.
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T'Pia@crystyll sits in the captain's chair. T'Pia@crystyll sits perched on the back of the sofa, chatting away with Silvestrie & Kazra Keliaya@anncarise orders one of her usual complex drinks, waiting at the bar for a moment to collect it. T'Pia@crystyll FX | The room is suitably adorned for the season with xmas music worthy of a supermarket playing in the background Eunha@turtles#8407: "Hot chocolate please." T'Pia@crystyll: "I still fail to see how such a much came to evolve" T'Pia@crystyll: | Silvestrie: laughs, "See now Pia, whoever said it was a myth at all?" Keliaya@anncarise nods over, "Hey Eunha. Back to no caffeine I'm guessing?" Eunha@turtles#8407: "I have one now and then." Keliaya@anncarise: "For when staying up gets too difficult?" T'Pia@crystyll: | Kazra: elbows Silvestrie lightly in the ribs, chuckling, "Behave William!" Eunha@turtles#8407 Nods "Indeed." T'Pia@crystyll: | Silvestrie: "What?" he asks in a drawn out and innocent tone Keliaya@anncarise: "I've always been lucky in that regard...I wonder how it must be for Vulcans, though. They're resilient but they need an ample amount of sleep too...and I don't think caffeine works on them." T'Pia@crystyll blinks, glancing between the pair, clearly not getting the in-joke Keliaya@anncarise glances over to T'Pia as she collects her drink, "Speaking of...I wonder what the senior staff's teaching T'Pia this time..." Eunha@turtles#8407: "Oh no, we've left her alone with the rest of them?" Keliaya@anncarise smirks, "Think she needs a rescue?" T'Pia@crystyll: "What about Trill, Kazra? Do your people share in any such customs as this?" T'Pia@crystyll reaches back as she asks, poking a glittery baubel hanging off the xmas tree/fern plant behind them T'Pia@crystyll: | Kazra eyes the baubel, "Not... quite..." she laughs Eunha@turtles#8407: "Maybe?" Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "Let's go see what they're up to, then." T'Pia@crystyll looks back to Silvestrie, "So would this Saint also visit upon the young of other worlds too, like the Trill?" Keliaya@anncarise approaches the group with her drink glass in one hand, "Hello everyone." T'Pia@crystyll: "Because that would require an impressive execution of quantum entagleme-... oh, hey Kelly, hey Eunha!" Keliaya@anncarise: "Do I hear talk of inter-system quantum entanglement transportation theories?" T'Pia@crystyll nods, "That is the most plausible theory for how this 'Santa' being could achieve what William claims" T'Pia@crystyll: "That, or it's a Q of course. Which is not out of the question yet" Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "The Q aren't the only beings who are capable of instantaneous intergalactic travel." T'Pia@crystyll: | Silvestrie: "/He/" he corrects, "Santa Claus is a He, T'Pia. And he's not an alien, or a Q. He's just... magic!" T'Pia@crystyll | Silvestrie winks at Kazra with a smirk Keliaya@anncarise: "Oh, /that's/ what you're telling her about!" Keliaya@anncarise chuckles. T'Pia@crystyll | Kazra rolls her eyes in response, "Yes Kelly, William here was explaining about Santa Claus to T'Pia" T'Pia@crystyll shakes her head, "I still find a lot of this myth hard to comprehend logically. I mean... you describe an obese elderly male with a big bushy beard, descending ancient fire ventilation systems to + T'Pia@crystyll: + bestow gifts to entire planet's worth of children..." T'Pia@crystyll | Silvestrie nods seriously, "Like I said, Pia... /magic/!" Keliaya@anncarise: "From my understanding of Earth culture, elderly bearded males are usually a symbol of wisdom." Sulayman@drcrippler pops a small kiss on Eunha's cheek T'Pia@crystyll: "But why would one have to descend the ancient fire ventilation systems?" T'Pia@crystyll: | Silvestire "Chimneys" Eunha@turtles#8407 Sips her hot chocolate Keliaya@anncarise: "Uhh...they didn't have turbolifts back then?" Sulayman@drcrippler: "What are we talking about?" he whispers to Eunha T'Pia@crystyll: "But domiciles still must have had centrally located main entrances for the residents" T'Pia@crystyll: "And don't even get me started on the physics of what William describes!" Eunha@turtles#8407 shrugs Keliaya@anncarise: "The main entrances probably would've been locked, I imagine..." T'Pia@crystyll | Silvestrie bops TP on the head with the end of a xmas cracker, "I told you Pia, it's magic! And Santa will find his way here to give you presents too, just you see!" T'Pia@crystyll frown-chuckles at the cracker bop and looks to the newer arrivals, "What about in your cultures? Do Betazoids or Denobulans have any comparable traditions?" T'Pia@crystyll: "I am curious to learn how much of... 'this'" she gestures around the well decorated room, "...is cross-cultured" Keliaya@anncarise: "Something comparable to Santa Claus, or Christmas celebrations in general?" T'Pia@crystyll: "Either actually would be of interest!" Keliaya@anncarise: "Well, I grew up on a Federation colony with a significant human population, so we actually had Christmas celebrations." Sulayman@drcrippler looks at the other two. He thinks he understands what they're talking about T'Pia@crystyll: "And I suppose this Santa entity also visited the children there to bestow gifts upon them?" Keliaya@anncarise nods, "Indeed!" Keliaya@anncarise: "As for Denobulan culture, we do have a holiday for family sharing. Our...idea of sharing is significantly different than human holidays, though." Keliaya@anncarise chuckles. T'Pia@crystyll: "Oh?" Sulayman@drcrippler: "Santa's not real though..." T'Pia@crystyll | Silvestrie jabs Sulay with his elbow, "Hey! Don't you go poisoning her just before her first ever christmas!" Eunha@turtles#8407 Punches Sulayman in the arm lightly "Hey now don't say that there may still be people around here who do believe in him." Keliaya@anncarise: "I think we might have to wait until you're a little older before I give you the details of that though..." Sulayman@drcrippler: "Ow!" he rubs both his arms. "Hey look, I don't celebrate Christmas, I don't know what to say to people..." Keliaya@anncarise: "I will say it bears similarities to a certain Risian practice. That should give you an idea." T'Pia@crystyll 's left brow quirks uncannily similar to how Keelah does T'Pia@crystyll: "If anything I would have expected to hear something like that from you, Eunha... what with knowing how Betazed weddings are and all..." Eunha@turtles#8407: "Oh but i'm only half so we didn't have one." Sulayman@drcrippler: "And I'm so glad about that," Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "Betazoid sharing is more about sharing minds than bodies from what I understand." T'Pia@crystyll: (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaObISjSiBM <ambience from the band)) Keliaya@anncarise glances to Sulayman, "I'm not! Betazoid weddings are the most interesting to attend." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois is walking veeery slowly and veeery quietly while reading a padd. It seems almost like he didn't even notice he just stepped into the lounge... Sulayman@drcrippler blinks at Kelly. "Erm..." T'Pia@crystyll: "As I have heard! But what about other celebrations, Eunha? Do Betazoids have anything like this 'Christmas'?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Admittedly I've only been to one, but I liked what I saw." Keliaya@anncarise smirks at Sulayman. Sulayman@drcrippler wonders if that one was Eunha's... decides it was Eunha@turtles#8407: "Going to be honest no Idea T'pia I haven't really researched my betazoid heritage." Keliaya@anncarise | Eunha said hers didn't count as Betazoid! T'Pia@crystyll: "Aww..." Eunha@turtles#8407: | no one was naked it didni't cout Sulayman@drcrippler wonders it harder because his poor mind can't take it T'Pia@crystyll: | Silvestrie, "Pia, don't fret about all the different cultures and races. I promise you; hand on heart..." he gestures accordingly, "...Santa will visit you, even out here!" Sulayman@drcrippler: "I remember hearing once that Santa rode a magic carpet," he says Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois stops for a moment near the group, apparently still oblivious of their presence so close to him, his padd absorbing his energies.... Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois reads from their PADD. Keliaya@anncarise: "I've not heard that..." T'Pia@crystyll: | Silvestrie, "Don't be silly, everyone knows it was a sleigh pulled by reindeer!" T'Pia@crystyll hrms, "A magic carpet does seem more feasible of the two..." Sulayman@drcrippler: "What is a sleigh?" he looks blankly at them all. Sulayman@drcrippler: "And... raining deers? I have never heard of a species of them before," Keliaya@anncarise: "It's a...carriage for snowy terrain, I believe." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "THAT'S IT!" he suddenly exclaims with a not-so-hidden tone of satisfaction in his voice. And yes, he cried it aloud T'Pia@crystyll: | Kazra: "And that gives me a great idea, be right back!" Sulayman@drcrippler: "Ah. Snow. That thing..." he turns to see Timo. "Captain Timoreev..." T'Pia@crystyll: :| Kazra pauses and double-takes at Timo, chuckling as she continues over to the far corner, collaring LT Thorkildsen T'Pia@crystyll: "Hello Captain!" she waves Keliaya@anncarise turns and sees Timo, "Hey Captain!" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Looks around for a moment, clearly surprised to see people around himself:"Oh...I...." he clears his throat, as to assume a more dignified posture:"Glad to see you, Commanders...oh, T'Pia!" he then + Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: + says with a smile on his face:"Captain? What happened to 'uncle Timo'?" he chuckles T'Pia@crystyll giggles, "I wasn't sure if you were on duty at present or not. I'm trying to get better with formalities over instinct!" Eunha@turtles#8407 Kisses Sulayman on the cheek before departing Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "You know, sometimes formalities just spoil everything..." he's still chuckling slighlty while talking:"I hope I didn't disturb you with my sudden...ehm...happiness." T'Pia@crystyll: "Not at all! It... sure sounded like a good news moment!" Keliaya@anncarise: "I suppose you are in uniform..." Keliaya@anncarise looks down at herself, "So am I, actually. Haven't gotten around to changing yet." Sulayman@drcrippler glances at Eunha departing. "Hey, I've got to tell Eunha something, see you all later!" Sulayman@drcrippler turns and runs after her Keliaya@anncarise waves to Sulayman as he exits, "See you!" T'Pia@crystyll gives a cheery wave to the departing pair and notices something odd on her raised hand. Something small and white floating down from above... Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Chuckles again, and sincerely, at Keliaya's statement:"Well, this is not my ship, so I couldn't change of course...or that's the official excuse, at least." T'Pia@crystyll: "What the..." she looks up, crinkling her nose as another fake-snowflake lands on it Keliaya@anncarise chuckles and looks to T'Pia as the fake snowflakes fall. T'Pia@crystyll FX | It is indeed snowing in the mess as Kazra & Erik have tweaked the environmental systems! T'Pia@crystyll FX | It looks and feels like snow, but isn't cold or damp of course. Because carpets^^ Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "What...?" he looks at the sknowflakes, but he looks more pleasantly surprised than bothered:"What's happening here?" Sam@drcrippler: "Ah, Commander," Sam chuckles, and glances back. "Catching up with your wife?" T'Pia@crystyll FX | The lights also dim a little and the bar staff bring flame-effect lanterns which they place around the room Sam@drcrippler: [Sulayman] "Captain Bishop... sorry, I am," Keliaya@anncarise: "I think it's snowing..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "...I think so. Just my Russian experience, though. Still, I never saw snow on a starship before.." he says laughing Sam@drcrippler pats Sulayman on the shoulder. "Well don't let me keep you!" he smiles. "And... you have an impeccable taste in clothing," T'Pia@crystyll | Kazra returns moments later wearing a very satisfied smile, "There. Much more like it, at least from the images Erik showed me!" Sam@drcrippler: [Sulayman] "As do you sir," he grins. "Nothing like the shirt and vest combination!" T'Pia@crystyll | Silvestrie gives Kazra a look, "You just couldn't let it be magic, could you..." Sam@drcrippler: "Nothing indeed. Congratulations on your first command by the way. If you need any advice, be sure to ask," T'Pia@crystyll beams, "Kazra, you made it snow?!" Keliaya@anncarise chuckles, "I've seen environmental controls doing crazier things...I mean we can alter our conditions to support Tholians if we really wanted to." Sam@drcrippler: [Sulayman] "Oh course sir. Thank you," Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "True. Though I would really not like to be around in the same room in that case..." Sam@drcrippler spots the group and stops. He hops over the sofa and sneaks towards T'Pia T'Pia@crystyll pokes her tongue out to catch a snowflake on it, giggling when she manages it Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois he has seen Sam, obviously. He was going to say hello but suddenly stop, clearly catchung up the friend's intentions. T'Pia@crystyll: "This environment is... pertinent to Christmasthen?" Sam@drcrippler: "Boo!" he chuckles, grabbing T'Pia Keliaya@anncarise chuckles at T'Pia, noticing Sam as well but staying silent until his boo. T'Pia@crystyll literally jumps from her seat with a yelp, spinning around with eyes widening T'Pia@crystyll: "DAD! When did you get back?!" she rushes around to give him a warm hug Keliaya@anncarise laughs as TP jumps. Sam@drcrippler 's chuckle becomes a laugh at her reaction and pulls her into a tight hug. "Just now," Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Laugh as well:"This is the way of treating your daughter, Capt. Bishop?" T'Pia@crystyll: "You came back for Christmas!" T'Pia@crystyll: | Silvestrie: "See Pia... Christmas magic!" Sam@drcrippler winks at Timo. "Well, for a few days at least. I have pressing work to attend to, but I couldn't miss your first Christmas could I?" he kisses her forehead T'Pia@crystyll looks up at Sam; face a picture with the happy smile and a smattering of soft snowflakes dotted across her head Keliaya@anncarise: "I keep forgetting it's your first...feels like you would've seen more but you were born after the last winter!" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Incredible, isn't it?" he says pointing at Keliaya Sam@drcrippler smiles and looks around. "Commander," he nods. "It's good to see you again," he looks up to Timoreev. "And surely the biggest Christmas miracle of of all is seeing you here," he teases T'Pia@crystyll smiles sheepishly as she nods to Kelly Sam@drcrippler 's arm wraps around T'Pia's shoulder, giving her a small squeeze Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Greatest miracle? You really get surprised easily, my dear. Actually, sometimes I feel like I spend more time on the Valley than on the Attar.." Keliaya@anncarise: "I do see both of you quite a bit here..." T'Pia@crystyll: "We do seem to get lots of Captains visiting when we are in port, don't we?" Keliaya@anncarise: "Though Captain Bishop does have his daughter here..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Uhm....are you implicitly asking for a reason for my presence here, commander?" he turns on Keliaya, chuckling T'Pia@crystyll FX | The band swaps things around for their more traditional lounge style https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ-7O3fhAuQ Keliaya@anncarise: "Oh no, I'm just speculating," she chuckles. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "And did you speculations lead to some interesting hypotheses?" Keliaya@anncarise whispers, "We all know you're trying to find the secrets to the efficiency of our sensor arrays." Keliaya@anncarise laughs. Sam@drcrippler: "We all know where Captain Timoreev's heart lies," he smirks Sam@drcrippler: "And this is my home," he smiles to T'Pia T'Pia@crystyll smiles back, "I'm still hypothesizing abou-..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "I just wants to be sure you never reach 'our' efficiency level.." he teases Kelly's in remand, winking. T'Pia@crystyll smirks and cracks up as a snowball hits Silvestrie in the back of the head. Chag grinning like a cheshire cat on the far side of the room Sam@drcrippler blinks. "Oh boy..." Keliaya@anncarise smirks, "Oh I've got it all in hand, you don't need to worry. But it's nice of you to think of us!" Keliaya@anncarise spots Silvestrie getting hit and looks for the source of the snowball. T'Pia@crystyll: | Silvestrie, "Do excuse me, all..." he smirks and darts off, using the bar for cover as the flight team goes to war with each other Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "As the French say, touchè, commander." he grins, before being distracted by the sudden Snowball War Sam@drcrippler uses the distraction to quickly make and fling his own snowball at Timo T'Pia@crystyll | Kazra laughs, "I'm just glad Ensign Rivett isn't here, else that first snowball may have gone another way!" T'Pia@crystyll: "Uh-oh..." she edges away from Sam a little, anticipating what may be about to come Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "What the...." he isn't able to catch the ball on time, ofc. He raises his eyes to Sam:"You know that nobody ever hit me with a snowball since I was ten, do you?" Keliaya@anncarise edges away from Timo to avoid the captain battle as well... T'Pia@crystyll | Kazra meanwhile simply gives Kelly a 'men...' look Keliaya@anncarise shakes her head and chuckles at Kazra. Sam@drcrippler: "Then I'm glad that I was one to break that tradition," he smirks Sam@drcrippler watches Timo's movements carefully Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois with unsuspected agility, he has already taken a snowball while Sam was replying. What Sam can see, is the snowball going straight for him:"...and this is why." Sam@drcrippler spits out a mouthful of snow. "It's on..." he ducks behind the sofa and moments later, another snowball comes arcing up towards Timo T'Pia@crystyll retreats to a safe distance as the wargames begin Keliaya@anncarise: "What have you done T'Pia..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois kinda gracefully, he avoids the incoming projectile. But another one is ready in his left hand. He moves on a side and launches it immediately. Years of harsh experience and training in the + T'Pia@crystyll looks to Kazra, "Now you see why I have to actually convince people that /I'm/ the one who's only a year old..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois + Russian steppe are suddenly showing themselves. T'Pia@crystyll: "Hey, don't blame me!" she calls back, laughing Sam@drcrippler yelps as he's hit by another snowball before he launches a reply of his own. Living in the North West can't compare to Russia, but it can hold it's own! Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois is moving to avoid the new incoming, but who knows, perhaps Sam's really good, or Timo's a bit slow in recalling his training, he got hit on the right arm:"Oh! That's impossible!" Sam@drcrippler gives T'Pia a covert nod before retreating back behind the table, flinging snowball after snowball T'Pia@crystyll grins at the sight before her, following Kazra's lead to the safety of behind the bar Sam@drcrippler a wayward shot might have hit Kelly too. Sam must have poor aim, it seems Keliaya@anncarise retreats behind the bar as well. Keliaya@anncarise is hit in the back as she does, "Hey!" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "I call a truce." he says when he notices that everyone is hiding. T'Pia@crystyll: "Kazra, this seems highly irregular! Is there a fault in the environmnental systems? Maybe something affecting neural transmitters or..." T'Pia@crystyll | Kazra shakes her head, laughing, "No sweety, it's just... boys being boys!" Sam@drcrippler 's reply to Timo's truce is a snowball to his face, after which he stands and wipes the snow on his trousers. "Sure, truce it is. It's Christmas after all Sam@drcrippler: " Keliaya@anncarise chuckles before turning back to Sam and Timo, "You know there's a much better use of all this snow..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois doesn't say anything when the ball hits him. His assumes his most Russian-stoic expression. But immediately as Sam feels safe he hits him in the face. Finally, he speaks, plainly:"And that's how + Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: + ancient Russia used to win wars." he smiles. T'Pia@crystyll: "What would that be, Kelly?" she asks, peeking over the bar to see if it's truly safe yet Keliaya@anncarise kneels down, collects some snow, melts it enough so it fuses into a ball of ice before dropping it in her drink and taking a sip. T'Pia@crystyll grins, "Smooth" Sam@drcrippler laughs as the snowball his him, and moves to dust the snow from his beard, before walking over to Timo and slinging an arm around his shoulder. "It's been too long my friend!" Keliaya@anncarise grins as well, "Easy ice, Mana would've loved it." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Since I last played snowball? Yes, it has been" he teases him, a huge smile on his face. T'Pia@crystyll chuckles, before her face saddens some, "Yeah... I miss her, hopefully things go well for her with the other Arshai" Sam@drcrippler nods in the direction of T'Pia. "Well, you're going to have to play more often, since you're a godfather now. Who else is going to look after my daughter when I'm away?" T'Pia@crystyll FX | Meanwhile Chag & Silvestrie still go at it on the other side of the room, one of them being responsible for a snowball which lands Vrolmacht square in the face as he walks into the room Keliaya@anncarise: "I hope so too. Maybe she can tell us about their holidays when we see her next." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Chuckles:"You know that your daughter soon will not need anyone to look upon her? Perhaps she'll be the one looking upon us." Keliaya@anncarise laughs as she sees Vrolmacht get hit, "Okay...now it's on isn't it..." T'Pia@crystyll | Both Chag & Silvestrie pause and point sideways to each other as the guilty party before the pair crack up Sam@drcrippler looks at her. "She might be, but she'll always need tutoring," he smiles sadly T'Pia@crystyll | Vrolmacht snarls and growls, facepalming as he wipes his face clear, shaking his head as he moves to a replicator Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Come on" he says, putting an hand on Sam's shoulder:"Give away that look..." T'Pia@crystyll: "That would be nice wouldn't it! Who knows, maybe by then I'll better understand our own culture in all of this. I still have very mixed memories from mum about this holiday..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Oh?" T'Pia@crystyll nods, "I... think she tried to repress a lot of it from our melds, but elements kind of, um... seeped through, I guess you could say?" Sam@drcrippler: "It's hard being a father for the first time. Even harder when that daughter is 16," he shakes his head. "I don't know if I'm doing a good job. Sometimes it feels like I'm not doing anything at all," Keliaya@anncarise: "I thought she was very amenable to human culture. Does she not enjoy these celebrations?" T'Pia@crystyll: "It is difficult to say. I believe that she does... If I had to guess, I would say that it is a a trigger for conflicted emotional memories for her" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "In your defense, in theory she's just 1." Keliaya@anncarise: "Ahh," she nods, "I understand that all too well." Sam@drcrippler: "Theory and reality often differ," he smiles. "Anyway... enough about me... how about you? What have you been up to? Come, let me get you a drink," he nods to the bar T'Pia@crystyll: "For now, I'd be happy with just understanding what all the excitement is about" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods to Sam, preceding him to the bar:"Me? Hard to tell..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Well, I suppose it depends on the person..." Sam@drcrippler: "A whisky for me," he orders. "You on duty?" he asks Timo T'Pia@crystyll: "Oh?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Same for me." he says, as to reply to Sam. Sam@drcrippler: "Well, come on then... spill," he grins Keliaya@anncarise: "For some it's about spending time with family, but not everyone's got family to spend it with. Especially on a starship in deep space." Keliaya@anncarise: "So then it becomes spending time with friends or a crew bonding thing..." Keliaya@anncarise: "And for others it's just for the excitement of a snowball fight," she chuckles. "A little mixup from the usual social activities." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Spill?" he quirks an eyebrow Keliaya@anncarise: "Most holidays have some kind of meaning, but what it means for an individual is, well, up to the individual." T'Pia@crystyll looks around and nods, "Yes, there has been a noticable increase in comoradary and moral in the buildup to all of this. Snowballs now withstanding..." T'Pia@crystyll sideglances to to Sam and Timo with a smirk at her last Sam@drcrippler: "About what's been going on in your life," he sips at his drink when it arrives Keliaya@anncarise laughs. T'Pia@crystyll: "But what about all these customes like the decorated tree? Or this... Santa person?" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: He also sips at his whisky:"You know, these have been hard times..." he says, sighing:"For everyone. Luckily, the Attar didn't suffer casualties..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Most holidays have their roots from cultural tradition. It might look very odd out of context years after the tradition was developped...but it's kept as part of the spirit of the holiday." T'Pia@crystyll: "I see..." she nods, looking at the tree, "...it is very pretty" she smiles Sam@drcrippler: "Rebuilding?" Keliaya@anncarise: "It is! I'm not well-versed enough on Earth culture to tell you where all this originally comes from..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Apparently a old wise man dressed in red once gave presents to everyone." Keliaya@anncarise chuckles. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "We were mostly out of the region for patrolling and S&R. We're not contributing much for that. But it's ok. The Attar is best suited for this kind of missions..." Sam@drcrippler: "We've been doing the same," his eyes darken. "Until this threat appeared," he says quietly Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Sips again, then looks straight at Sam:"There is something I would like to talk about with you." he says. Sam@drcrippler glances at T'Pia and then the sofa, nodding in that direction for Timo to follow T'Pia@crystyll 's lip quirks, "I find it very curious how such a tradition develops, and William did seem very insistent that there was more to it than myth..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois sits in the captain's chair. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois sits in a chair. Keliaya@anncarise: "Well, he's human and I'm not, so I'd say he knows a good deal more about it than I do!" Sam@drcrippler: "What has been bothering you, my friend?" T'Pia@crystyll glances that way to see Miadrone has joined the boys snowball fight, pinning them both behind a table with a barrage of projectile snowballs Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Silently follows Sam, than, after seating, he takes another ,brief sip, before replying:"I have received a disturbing news, very recently." Keliaya@anncarise follows T'Pia's gaze and chuckles. Sam@drcrippler: "Tell me," T'Pia@crystyll looks back with a shared chuckle, "She never does things by halves does she..." Keliaya@anncarise: "No, she doesn't!" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "I don't think you ever met Capt. Leonardsen, of the USS Na'el. Well, she's a very old friend of mine, one of the closest I have. She informed me that a ship has vanished in the Orion Sector." Sam@drcrippler: "That is troublesome..." he looks at Timo sympathetically. "I know how it feels to lose someone in space..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Knowing Mia's historical records, she might have a thing or two about the origins of this holiday..." Keliaya@anncarise: "Though you might risk walking into a crossfire approaching her now!" T'Pia@crystyll: "That is an excellent point!" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Raises a hand:"Well, of course she wasn't the one who vanished...but she also told me that the ship was carrying on board a..." he pauses for a moment, as to carefully choose the right word + Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: + "...acquiatance, of mine." T'Pia@crystyll: "I think I have an idea to avoid that hazard..." she grins, building up a snowball from the bar top and launching it at Miadrone Sam@drcrippler: "Was this the... acquientence that you told me about who left Earth?" Keliaya@anncarise watches the snowball. T'Pia@crystyll: "Mia! I think they've learned their lesson, come join us!" she waves her over after the drone aptly dodged the snowball T'Pia@crystyll | Mia ripples into view walking towards them as the drone moves over, "Allo ladies, having fun in the snow are we!" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Nods plainly:"Yes." Keliaya@anncarise: "It's a nice change from the usual lounge!" Sam@drcrippler: "At least you knew where she was," he offers a sad smile, sipping his drink. T'Pia@crystyll: | Mia: "Oh, it is just perfect, is it not! So Christmassy!" T'Pia@crystyll looks to Mia, "Is that... even a word?" Keliaya@anncarise: "I...think so..." T'Pia@crystyll | Mia giggles, "It is now!" Keliaya@anncarise chuckles. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Shakes his head:"No, Sam. The ship vanished a few weeks ago. It was heading for a colony not far from Orion." Keliaya@anncarise: "Well, T'Pia and I were wondering about where the origins of the holiday came from." Keliaya@anncarise: "I thought you might know about it!" Sam@drcrippler: "Well, it's a start from "she is somewhere in space." Have Starfleet sent someone to look?" T'Pia@crystyll | Mia, "Ooh... well we know a little about the origins in religious celebration, but the truth of it's evolution is long lost to history in pure detail we believe" Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Yes. The Lamia. It was in the area, so it was dispatched to investigate." Sam@drcrippler: "And?" T'Pia@crystyll: "Aww... well, what about this 'Santa Claus' person? William was adamantly trying to convince me that he's real and will still visit me because I'm technically still a child..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Takes another, longer, sip, finishing his whisky:"And...nothing. They didn't find anything. Not the slightest trace, or clue." T'Pia@crystyll | Mia grins, "Well Pia, we /can/ tell you that according to legend..." she leans in and talks extra serious, "...he only rewards the good children. we believe the intention was to dissuade the young+ T'Pia@crystyll: + from misbehaving. You have nothing to fear though, we are sure you have been a very good girl this year!" T'Pia@crystyll opens her mouth to speak but just sort of frowns, not really knowing what to say to that Keliaya@anncarise: "She did save the ship from parasites..." Sam@drcrippler: "Space is a large place. Do not give up hope my friend," Keliaya@anncarise: "I'm sure that's beyond good!" T'Pia@crystyll | Mia beams, "Yes, that was /very/ good, see!" T'Pia@crystyll: "I... still don't understand. This holiday is very confusing..." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Sighs:"I know...it's just...you know, there's something that doesn't convince me, in all this story. Call it intuition, or whatever. It sounds so wrong. Everything. And, also, I didn't expect it to + Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: + have such an effect on me." T'Pia@crystyll: | Mia hrms, "We have an idea! Something to help get you in the Christmas spirit Pia..." she winks Keliaya@anncarise: "All holidays have complicated history. It's hard to grasp them your first time. Most of them, you're just raised with it and get used to it..." T'Pia@crystyll | Mia steps back and materializes a mic in her hand... Sam@drcrippler places a hand on Timo's shoulder. "We're here for you. It's natural to feel this way," Keliaya@anncarise: "Oooh are you going to sing again?" T'Pia@crystyll FX | The music dies down as Mia remote links and overrides it T'Pia@crystyll | Mia gives Kelly the flash of a smile and turns to T'Pia T'Pia@crystyll: (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSbcbNSNY7o )) Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: "Yes, I know." he answers very plainly:"But I swear, Sam, until now, rarely my intuition failed me. And I knew her very well..." Sam@drcrippler: "Don't do anything rash," he advices T'Pia@crystyll brushes the snow from the bar in front of her, leaning there to watch and listen intently Keliaya@anncarise leans an arm on the counter, sipping her drink as she listens. Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Shakes his head:"Oh, don't worry. I have no intention of letting this interfering with my command. I'm a Starfleet officer, first and foremost." T'Pia@crystyll smiles widely, "Mia that was beautiful, thank you!" Sam@drcrippler: "And this is where we differ," he smirks Keliaya@anncarise claps for Mia, "Great singing just like last time!" T'Pia@crystyll: | Mia: "Thank you ladies, thank you! And it is our pleasure to sing a lovely song for our lovely T'Pia!" T'Pia@crystyll smiles, flushing a little, "Thank you Mia" Keliaya@anncarise: "Anyways, I'd best get changed out of this uniform, got a meetup with a crewman later." Andrej Timoreev@chrisdubois: Looks straight at Sam:"I know...I don't want to play the part of the paragon, but sometimes you should take me more as an example." he teases him Keliaya@anncarise smiles at T'Pia, "Hope we managed to shed some light into how this holiday works on your first Christmas!" T'Pia@crystyll: | Mia: "Now you just be sure to get a good night's sleep Ms T'Pia, no staying awake trying to catch Santa!" she winks and heads off, rippling out of view Sam@drcrippler laughs. "I should take my own adivce more!" T'Pia@crystyll: "You did Kelly, thank you and enjoy your night!" Keliaya@anncarise: "You too T'Pia!" Keliaya@anncarise waves as she heads out.
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Personal Log | T'Pia Bishop-Se'Lai | Stardate 94983
What a fascinating and wonderful holiday!
I suppose it all started last night in the lounge while talking with Kazra and William. He was telling me all about the traditions surrounding this Earth holiday of Christmas, and with particular vigor about this central figure of 'Santa Claus'. I was naturally dubious of course, if not for the approximate 94,274 metric tonnes of gifts he would have to carry in this sleigh then for highly advanced temporal and/or sub-dimensional mechanics at play. But they did seem rather insistent, as did everyone else there...
But regardless of any myth's or superstitions about 'naughty or nice' children and the likes, I have to say that the transformation in people around this period is truly fascinating! Kazra and LT Thorkildsen even played with the environmental systems in there to reproduce a 'seasonal' setting with light snow falling across the room. Jex and the other bar staff aided this effect too with ambient lighting in the form of small candle lamps they replicated to put all over the room, then of course there was Mia with her carol singing - I think even I was starting feel 'festive' by that point!
I should also note how fun it was seeing dad and uncle Andrej truly relax as well. As the effect snow built up around the room, Chag and Malcom soon started a snowball fight - which dad took great joy in replicating as he suckered uncle Andrej with one at point blank range across the sofa! I hid with Kelly of course, it was great fun to watch but without knowing the rules of engagement I was fearful to participate. Not that the same could be said for Mia though - I'm sure she cheated when she started using her drone's abilities to mass produce and rapid fire them at Malcom and Chag!
Now back to this Santa figure though, and this myth that everyone adamantly reinforced about how I would see that he is real after he brings me a secret present in the night! Well... there was one! I woke up this morning to a visit at our quarters from Jenni; she held in her hands a small and beautifully wrapped box which she said was sitting on the floor outside our door, and it was addressed to me! If it were just that of course, I could happily put it down to her being in a coordinated effort with Mia to deceive me, but there is more...
During the night I thought I was still half asleep when I woke to hear strange sounds from outside, but still I took readings from a tricorder and managed to capture an audio segment for further analysis: